On June 9, the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine (KYSAM) sent a letter to Governor Beshear urging him to use his executive powers to lift prior authorization requirements on all forms of medications for addiction treatment (MAT). The letter specifically urges Governor Beshear to use emergency powers granted to him due to the COVID-19 health emergency to remove prior authorization requirements utilized by the state’s Medicaid program and contracted managed care organizations to ensure those suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) can access treatment during this unprecedented time.

The letter emphasizes the negative impact of COVID-19 on those suffering from addiction, noting that there is already evidence that social distancing policies and increased stress due to the disease are causing increases in overdoses and deaths across the country. It also observes that even in times when there is no public health emergency, prior authorization can delay treatment, which for those suffering from OUD can lead to overdose and death.

Read the letter here.